Heyward Gets Praise as Steelers Lineman Excels

Brian Baldinger says Cam Heyward may never have played better, as the 37-year-old anchors Pittsburgh's defense this season.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Football

Heyward Gets Praise as Steelers Lineman Excels

Former NFL player Brian Baldinger said on his The Best Football Show podcast that Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward might never have played better than he is right now. Heyward has 2.5 sacks, three tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and six pass defenses in eight games this season.

Why it matters

Heyward's play in his late 30s bears on the Steelers' defensive front and their outlook as the season moves toward the playoffs. Recognition from a respected analyst highlights how the veteran is performing against younger opponents.

Heyward has produced 2.5 sacks, three tackles for loss and six pass defenses in eight games this season, against 3.5 sacks and nine tackles for loss over 17 games last year. The sample remains brief, and the coming weeks will show whether his production holds.

The players

Cam Heyward

Cam Heyward is a veteran defensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers who has played in the NFL since 2011 and has been named an All-Pro six times.

Brian Baldinger

Brian Baldinger is a former NFL player and longtime analyst who hosts The Best Football Show podcast.

The details

Baldinger made the comments on his podcast, pointing to Heyward batting down balls and running through rookie guards Austin Barber and Zion Johnson. In Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns, Heyward led the Steelers with six total pressures, though he recorded no sack in that game.

Week 8 of the 2026 season: Heyward led the Steelers with six pressures against the Cleveland Browns.
November 6, 2026: Baldinger's comments on The Best Football Show were published.

Season Trajectory

Heyward was named a second-team All-Pro last year and has been named an All-Pro six times in his career. If his current pace holds, he could earn another All-Pro selection, which would strengthen the Steelers' case as a postseason contender.

Heyward's production affects fantasy lineups that track defensive linemen, where sacks and tackles for loss carry weight. Fans following the Steelers' front seven can track whether his pressure numbers continue at this level.

The takeaway

Heyward's season shows that veteran linemen can still set the pace for a defense. Track his sack and pressure totals over the coming weeks to see whether the Steelers' defensive front keeps this level of play.